Method and device for removal of nail enhancement product

ABSTRACT

A self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product from nail beds having a flexible body, a closed-end portion, and an open-end portion. The closed-end portion having a reservoir portion located at a proximal end of the flexible body. The open-end portion having an extendable fitted ring-like portion located at a distal end of the flexible body securing the device to finger or toe. The self-contained device further having an absorbent pad. The absorbent pad is wetted with removing solution, such as acetone. The self-contained device and absorbent pad are placed on top of the nail bed to loosened and eventually remove nail enhancement product, such as acrylic or gel, from nail bed. The self-contained device further having at least one fitted ring to further secure the device to finger or toe.

This non-provisional application claims priority to and the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 62/826,682, filed on Mar. 29, 2019, herein incorporated in its entirety by reference.

Nail enhancement products, such as artificial nails, have been around for hundreds of years. In the past, materials such as bone, ivory and gold were used to create artificial nails. Nowadays, most nail enhancement products involve the use of acrylic. Acrylics are a special family of monomers and/or oligomers and/or polymers used to create nail enhancement products, including UV gel nails and acrylic (liquid-and-powder) nails. However, removing acrylic and/or gel nails is challenging and may cause severe damage to natural nail beds. Similarly, removing gel nail polish may also cause a lot of wear and tear on the nail beds weakening the nails and damaging cuticles.

Conventional methods for removing acrylic or gel coatings on fingernails or toenails include saturating a cotton ball with a removing solution, such as acetone, placing the cotton ball on top of the nail bed, and wrapping the soaked, dripping cotton ball with an aluminum foil sheet. Then, the foil sheet is squeezed around the finger or toe nail bed and the saturated cotton ball is rubbed to remove the acrylic or gel coating from the nail. One of the challenges presented with this method is that the aluminum foil sheet is not leak-proof, which causes the removing solution to drip all over the finger or toe and even on the floor or person.

Another conventional method for removing acrylic or gel coatings on nails is by submerging the coated nails in a bowl containing acetone and leaving the nails submerged until the acrylic or gel coating has softened, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Some methods include the further step of heating up the acetone and then submerging the coated nails in the removing solution until the acrylic or gel coating has softened. One of the problems with this method is the exposure of the person's skin to chemicals in the acetone. Further, this method also causes exposure to harmful and hazardous fumes from the removing solution.

Other methods for removing acrylic or gel coatings involve the use of a clip, similar to a clothing pin, and a pad with removing solution, such as acetone, placed on the tip of the fingers or toes. The problem with these devices is that the clip is neither flexible nor bendable. The clip squeezes and compresses the fingers or toes too hard making an uncomfortable experience for the person getting the acrylic or gel removed. Additionally, the open nature of the clip allows for the hazardous fumes of the removing solution, such as acetone, to escape the clip exposing not only the person getting the acrylic or gel removed, but people in the surrounding area to these dangerous fumes.

Due to the use and daily exposure of hazardous chemicals in the nail profession, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends nail technicians to wear personal protective equipment, such as respirators, face masks, and gloves. OSHA further recommends for nail technicians to use ventilation equipment to protect themselves against exposure from hazardous chemicals, solvents and airborne powders that are currently used to apply and remove acrylic and/or gel nail coatings.

As illustrated by the above, there is a need for a self-contained, all-in one, leak-proof device for the removal of nail enhancement products from fingernails or toenails. Currently disclosed is a method and device providing a convenient, faster, and easier way for removing nail products, such as gel and acrylic, from nail beds. Furthermore, the currently disclosed method and device provides a way to decrease the exposure to hazardous chemicals improving safety for nail technicians, their co-workers, their clients, and work environment, and individuals removing their own nail enhancement products. Moreover, the currently disclosed method and device provide for the safe disposal of nail enhancement products and by-products as the device is self-contained and adapted to capture excess removing solution inside the same.

Currently disclosed is a self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products, such as acrylic and/or gel, comprising a flexible body, the flexible body comprising an internal cavity axially passing there through; a closed-end portion, said closed-end portion comprising a reservoir portion positioned at a proximal end of the flexible body; and an open-end portion, said open-end portion comprising an extendable fitted ring-like portion positioned at a distal end of the flexible body. The closed-end portion may have a narrower diameter than the open-end portion.

The self-contained device may further comprise an absorbent pad, said absorbent pad positioned in the internal cavity of the flexible body between the closed-end portion and the open-end portion. The absorbent pad may be removable from the self-contained device. Alternatively, or in addition, the absorbent pad may be fastened to the internal cavity of the flexible body by fastening means, such as self-adhesive. The absorbent pad is adapted to hold nail enhancement products removal solution, such as acetone. The absorbent pad may be a cotton pad. Alternatively, or additionally, the absorbent pad may be a fabric pad.

The flexible body of the self-contained device may further comprise an opening, said opening providing direct access to the absorbent pad. The opening may be a crosscut opening. Alternatively, or in addition, the flexible body of the self-contained device may further comprise a lid on top the opening. Said lid may be open or closed providing access to the absorbent pad through the opening.

Further disclosed is a method for removing nail enhancement products from nail beds comprising the steps of: wetting an absorbent pad with a removing solution, placing the wetted absorbent pad on top of a fingernail or a toenail, and placing a self-contained device on finger or toe with the wetted absorbent bed. The self-contained device comprising: a flexible body, a closed-end portion, and an open-end portion. The flexible body comprising an internal cavity axially passing there through. The closed-end portion comprising a reservoir portion positioned at a proximal end of the flexible body. The open-end portion comprising an extendable fitted ring-like portion positioned at a distal end of the flexible body securing the self-contained device to the finger or toe. The flexible body made of a more rigid material than that of the reservoir portion and that of the extendable fitted ring-like portion.

The flexible body may further comprise an opening. Additionally, the flexible body may further comprise a lid on top of the opening covering the same. Said lid may be detachable. Alternatively, the lid may be semi-detachable.

The self-contained device is then placed on the finger or toe so that the flexible body and the wetted absorbent pad are in direct contact. Then, the method for removing nail enhancement products from a fingernail or toenail comprises the step of sliding the extendable fitted ring-like portion of the open-end portion down the finger or toe. Additionally, the method may comprise the step of placing at least one fitted ring on the open-end portion further securing the self-contained device to the finger or toe. Alternatively, or in addition, the method may comprise the step of sliding at least one seal fitted ring down the self-contained device to the open-end portion further securing the self-contained device to the finger or toe.

The method further comprises the steps of leaving the self-contained device with the wetted absorbent pad on top of fingernail or toenail until the nail enhancement product is loosened, and removing the self-contained device and wetted absorbent pad from finger or toe.

The method may further comprise the step of discarding the self-contained device and wetted absorbent pad. Alternatively, the method may further comprise the step of separating the wetted absorbent pad from the self-contained device and discarding the wetted absorbent pad. The wetted absorbent pad containing the removing solution and removed nail enhancement product and residues thereof for safe disposal of the same.

Also disclosed is a method for removing nail enhancement products from a nail bed comprising the steps of: wetting an absorbent pad with a removing solution, wherein said absorbent pad is located inside a self-contained device. The self-contained device comprising: a flexible body, a closed-end portion, an open-end portion, and the absorbent pad. The flexible body comprising an internal cavity axially passing there through. The closed-end portion comprising a reservoir portion positioned at a proximal end of the flexible body. The open-end portion comprising an extendable fitted ring-like portion positioned at a distal end of the flexible body securing the self-contained device to the finger or toe.

The flexible body comprises a more rigid material than that of the reservoir portion and that of the extendable fitted ring-like portion. The flexible body may further comprise an opening. Additionally, the flexible body may further comprise a lid on top of the opening. Said lid may be detachable. Alternatively, the lid may be semi-detachable.

The absorbent pad is positioned in the internal cavity of the flexible body between the closed-end portion and the open-end portion. The absorbent pad may be removable from the self-contained device. Alternatively, or in addition, the absorbent pad may be fastened to the internal cavity of the flexible body by fastening means, such as self-adhesive. The absorbent pad is adapted to hold nail enhancement products removal solution, such as acetone. The absorbent pad may be a cotton pad. Alternatively, or additionally, the absorbent pad may be a fabric pad.

The method further comprises the steps of placing the self-contained device on finger or toe with the wetted absorbent pad laying on top of nail bed and sliding the extendable fitted ring-like portion of the open-end portion down the finger or toe securing the self-contained device to the finger or toe. Additionally, the method may comprise the step of sliding at least one fitted ring down the self-contained device to the open-end portion further securing the self-contained device to the finger or toe.

The method further comprises the step of leaving the self-contained device with the wetted absorbent pad on top of the nail bed until the nail enhancement product is loosened, and removing the self-contained device with the wetted absorbent pad from finger or toe.

The method may further comprise the step of discarding the self-contained device and wetted absorbent pad. Alternatively, the method may further comprise the step of separating the wetted absorbent pad from the self-contained device and discarding the wetted absorbent pad, the wetted absorbent pad containing the removed nail enhancement products, residues, and by-products, such as acetone. Further, the method may comprise the step of replacing the absorbent pad with a new absorbent pad providing for more than one use of the self-contained device. Alternatively, the method may comprise the step of adding a new absorbent pad without removing the already wetted absorbent pad.

Alternatively, or additionally, the method for removing nail enhancement products from a nail bed may comprise the steps of placing the self-contained device on a finger or a toe, wherein the absorbent pad lays on top of the nail bed of the fingernail or toenail. Then, sliding the extendable fitted ring-like portion of the open-end portion down the finger or toe securing the self-contained device to the finger or toe. Additionally, the method may comprise the step of sliding at least one fitted ring down the self-contained device to the open-end portion further securing the self-contained device to the finger or toe.

The method for removing nail enhancement products may further comprise the steps opening the lid covering the opening of the flexible body and wetting the absorbent pad with a removing solution, for example acetone. Then, closing the lid covering the opening of the flexible body, leaving the self-contained device with the wetted absorbent pad on top of the nail bed until the nail enhancement product is loosened, and removing the self-contained device with the wetted absorbent pad from finger or toe.

The method may further comprise the step of discarding the self-contained device and wetted absorbent pad. Alternatively, the method may further comprise the step of separating the wetted absorbent pad from the self-contained device and discarding the wetted absorbent pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features of the inventive embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the embodiments relate from reading the specification and claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products;

FIG. 2 illustrates a self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products;

FIG. 3 illustrates a self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products;

FIG. 4 illustrates a self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products with extendable fitted ring-like portion in rolled-up position;

FIG. 5 illustrates a self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products with extendable fitted ring-like portion in extended position;

FIG. 6 illustrates a self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a side-view of a self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The currently claimed self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products from nail beds provides for the removal and capture of previously applied nail enhancement products, such as nail gel and nail acrylic, and associated residues, such as acetone solution, in a safe and quick manner. The currently claimed self-contained device provides for the safe removal of nail enhancement products from nail beds and disposal of the same without removing solution leakage and exposure to chemical fumes, diminishing direct contact with hazardous materials.

The self-contained device 10 may be used on both fingers and toes. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, currently claimed is a self-contained device 10 for the removal of nail enhancement products from a nail bed 32 comprising a flexible body 12, a closed-end portion 14 and an open-end portion 16. The flexible body 12 comprises an internal cavity 18 axially passing there through. The closed-end 14 comprises a reservoir portion 20 positioned at a proximal end of the flexible body 12. The reservoir portion 20 adapted to capture excess nail enhancement product waste and extra removing solution. The open-end portion 16 comprises an extendable fitted ring-like portion 22 positioned at a distal end of the flexible body 12.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the self-contained device 10 may further comprise an absorbent pad 24. The absorbent pad 24 is positioned in the internal cavity 18 of the flexible body 12 between the closed-end portion 14 and the open-end portion 16. As shown in FIG. 7, the absorbent pad 24 may be fastened to the internal cavity 18 of the flexible body 12 by fastening means 34. The internal cavity of the flexible body may include a fabric strip, for example nylon, with a surface comprising of tiny loops or hoops that fasten to the absorbent pad.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the flexible body 12 may further comprise an opening 26. Additionally, the flexible body 12 may further comprise a lid 28 covering opening 26. Said lid may be fastened to the flexible body by self-adhesive means, for example glue. Lid 28 may be completely detachable from the flexible body. Alternatively, the lid 28 may be semi-detachable from the flexible body.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, self-contained device 10 is placed on a finger or toe through the internal cavity 18 of the flexible body 12. The flexible body may be made out of stretchable material, for example latex rubber, wherein said material is resistant to acrylic or gel removing solution, e.g. acetone. The flexible body 12 is more rigid than the reservoir portion 20 and of the extendable fitted ring-like portion 22. The flexible body material is also thicker than both the reservoir portion material and the extendable fitted ring-like material. The higher rigidity and thickness of the flexible body provides for the secure placement of the absorbent pad 24 on top of the nail bed 32. As shown, flexible body 12 allows the self-contained device to be able to accommodate different nail lengths.

The open-end portion 16 of the self-contained device 10 comprises extendable fitted ring-like portion 22. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the extendable fitted ring-like portion 22 may be extended securing the self-contained device 10 to the finger or toe creating a snug, comfortable fit and seal for a leak-proof application. FIG. 4 illustrates the extendable fitted ring-like portion 22 in a rolled-up position. FIG. 5 illustrates the extendable fitted ring-like portion 22 in an extended position.

As shown in FIG. 7, the open-end portion 16 may further comprise at least one fitted ring 30. The at least one fitted ring 30 further secures the self-contained device 10 to the finger or toe while also providing a comfortable and leak-proof seal. The at least one fitted ring is adapted to prevent further leakage of the removing solution; therefore, further decreasing the exposure to hazardous chemicals. The at least one fitted ring may comprise rings of different sizes. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one fitted ring may be customizable to the finger's or toe's width. The at least one fitted ring may be secured to the self-contained device. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one fitted ring may be detachable from the self-contained device.

The closed-end 14 of the self-contained device 10 comprises reservoir portion 20. As illustrated in FIG. 6, reservoir portion 20 has a smaller diameter than flexible body 12. The reservoir portion 20 and the extendable fitted ring-like portion 22 are less rigid than flexible body 12. The greater flexibility of the reservoir portion allows for the capture of any excess removing solution.

As shown in FIG. 7, the absorbent pad 24 lays on top of the nail bed 32. The absorbent pad 24 is adapted to hold nail enhancement products removal solution, such as acetone. The removing solution may be added to the absorbent pad before the self-contained device is placed on the finger or toe. Alternatively, or in addition, the removing solution may be added to the absorbent solution after the self-contained device is placed on the finger or toe.

For example, the self-contained device 10 is placed on a finger or toe through the internal cavity 18 of the flexible body 12, wherein the absorbent pad 24 lays on top of the nail bed. Removing solution is added to the absorbent pad 24 through opening 26 wetting the absorbent pad. Further, if the flexible body includes lid 28, once the absorbent pad is wetted with removing solution, opening 26 may be covered with lid 28. Lid 28 provides further protection from the removing solution fumes and from evaporation of the removing solution. Additional removing solution may be added to the absorbent pad 24 through opening 26 as needed.

Once the removing solution is placed on the absorbent pad, the device is left stationary on the finger or toe allowing the nail enhancement product to loosen enough from the nail bed. The nail enhancement product and associated residues adhere to the absorbent pad and stay contained inside the flexible body. Then, the self-contained device with the wetted absorbent pad are removed from the finger or toe. The self-contained device with the wetted absorbent pad may be discarded. Alternatively, the wetted absorbent pad may be separated from the self-contained device and discarded leaving the self-contained device for further use.

While this invention has been shown and described with respect to a detailed embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in form and detail thereof may be made without departing from the scope of the claims of the invention. 

What is claimed:
 1. A self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product from nail beds comprising: a flexible body, the flexible body comprising an internal cavity axially passing there through; a closed-end portion, said closed-end portion comprising a reservoir portion positioned at a proximal end of the flexible body; and an open-end portion, said open-end portion comprising an extendable fitted ring-like portion positioned at a distal end of the flexible body, wherein the flexible body is more rigid than the reservoir portion and the extendable fitted ring-like portion.
 2. The self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an absorbent pad, said absorbent pad positioned in the internal cavity of the flexible body between the closed-end portion and the open-end portion.
 3. The self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 2, wherein the absorbent pad is fastened to the internal cavity of the flexible body.
 4. The self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 2, wherein the absorbent pad is a cotton pad.
 5. The self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 1, the open-end portion further comprising at least one fitted ring.
 6. The self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 1, the flexible body further comprising an opening.
 7. The self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible body further comprises an opening and a lid covering the opening.
 8. The self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lid is detachable.
 9. The self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lid is semi-detachable.
 10. A method for removing nail enhancement product from nail beds comprising: wetting an absorbent pad with a removing solution; placing the wetted absorbent pad on top of a nail bed; placing a self-contained device on finger or toe with the wetted absorbent pad, wherein the self-contained device comprises: a flexible body, the flexible body comprising an internal cavity axially passing there through, a closed-end portion, said closed-end portion comprising a reservoir portion positioned at a proximal end of the flexible body, and an open-end portion, said open-end portion comprising an extendable fitted ring-like portion positioned at a distal end of the flexible body, wherein the flexible body is more rigid than the reservoir portion and the extendable fitted ring-like portion; placing the flexible body of the self-contained device in direct contact with the wetted absorbent pad; sliding the extendable fitted ring-like portion down the finger or toe; leaving the self-contained device with the wetted absorbent pad on top of the nail bed until nail enhancement product is loosened; and removing the self-contained device with the wetted absorbent pad.
 11. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 10, further comprising the step of placing at least one fitted ring on the open-end portion further securing the self-contained device to the finger or toe.
 12. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 10, wherein the flexible body of the self-contained device further comprises an opening.
 13. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 12, further comprising the step of adding removing solution to the absorbent pad through the opening in the flexible body of the self-contained device.
 14. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 10, wherein the flexible body of the self-contained device further comprises an opening and a lid covering the opening.
 15. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 14, wherein the lid is detachable.
 16. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 14, wherein the lid is semi-detachable.
 17. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 10, wherein the removing solution is acetone.
 18. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 10, wherein the absorbent pad is a cotton pad.
 19. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 10, further comprising the step of discarding the self-contained device with the wetted absorbent pad.
 20. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 10, further comprising the step of separating the wetted absorbent pad from the self-contained device, and discarding the wetted absorbent pad. 